Big Basin Redwood State Park, California’s oldest state park, is overjoyed to hear that it will finally be open to the public on July 22 – and reservations are open today. A.D. In the mid-August 2020 lightning, the 86,000-acre CZU Lightning Complex fire destroyed 97% of the park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Including the park’s infrastructure, historic village buildings, amphitheater and campgrounds. The park’s wooden bridge and power lines were destroyed.
Although most of the reconstruction is in the Great Basin, authorities have opened 18 miles of roads, including Redwood Lop, many of the famous 300-foot-tall red woods located near the former park headquarters. Almost all the redwood trees were burned by the wildfire but are still alive. “The devastation of CZU Fire reminds us all of how popular and unique this park is for generations of visitors. While it may not seem like a big deal for big river visitors, we hope visitors will enjoy making new memories for this crucial moment, Bonnie Howley told SnowBrains with friends at Santa Cruz State Parks.
Burned trees at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. | Photo credit to thatsmypark.org
The reopening unit represents only one part of the 18,000 acre park. Friends of California State Parks and Santa Cruz State Parks have been working tirelessly over the past two years to remove all potential dead trees. Officials hope to open the park this fall. “It’s a wonderful recovery. There is a significant resurgence in all red woods. They have green shoots. Dead Doglas pine trees and many shrubs and flowering plants will return in the deforested forest. State Parks spokesman Chris Sporer told Mercury News that the landscape is recovering well.
Big Basin officials will allow 45 vehicles to enter the park once it opens on July 22. Starting July 1, the park will use a new system to wait for people who want to drive. 831) 338-8867. Parking costs $ 6, and there is a $ 2 bond. If you plan to ride your bike to the park or plan to use the public bus provided by Santa Cruz Metro Transit, you do not need to reserve.
